19 Polish Desserts Recipe For Christmas Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: Apr 29, 2024
Polish Christmas desserts are an essential part of the holiday season, with their rich and indulgent flavors bringing joy to families and friends. These traditional recipes have been passed down from generation to generation, and their simplicity and heartiness make them a favorite among many. In this article, we will explore some of the most beloved Polish desserts that are commonly enjoyed during Christmas, and how you can bring a taste of Poland to your holiday table.
Polish Cream Cheese Cookies (aka Kolaczki or Kolacky)
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Butter, All Purpose Flour, Preserves
Polish Cream Cheese Cookies, also known as Kolaczki or Kolacky, are a beloved traditional Polish dessert that has been passed down through generations. These delicate cookies are made with a cream cheese dough, filled with various fruit or nut fillings, and dusted with powdered sugar. They are a staple at holiday gatherings and special occasions, but can also be enjoyed any time of year.
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Polish Paczki Donuts
Main Ingredients: Instant Yeast, Whole Milk, Large Egg Yolks, Granulated
Paczki, or Polish donuts, are a delicious treat that are traditionally eaten on Fat Thursday, the last Thursday before Lent. These deep-fried doughnuts are filled with a variety of fillings such as jam, custard, or chocolate and are coated in powdered sugar. They are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
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Szarlotka (Polish Apple Pie)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Butter, Egg, Egg Yolk
Szarlotka, or Polish apple pie, is a classic dessert that is popular in Poland and other Eastern European countries. It is made with a buttery crust, filled with layers of cinnamon-spiced apples, and topped with a crumbly streusel topping. This dessert is perfect for any occasion and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Kolaczki – Traditional Polish Cookies
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Unsalted Butter, Flour, Apricot Jam
Kolaczki are traditional Polish cookies that are typically served during the Christmas season. These buttery cookies are made with a cream cheese dough and filled with various fruit fillings such as apricot, raspberry, or prune. They are often cut into small squares or triangles and dusted with powdered sugar.
Polish Kolaczki Cookies are a popular variation of the traditional Kolaczki. These cookies are made with a flaky cream cheese dough and filled with a sweet filling, such as apricot or raspberry jam. They are often shaped into crescents or squares and make for a delicious and festive holiday treat.
Christmas is a special time in Poland, and no holiday celebration is complete without a variety of delicious Christmas cookies. Some popular Polish Christmas cookies include pierniczki (spiced gingerbread cookies), kruche ciasteczka (butter cookies), and kokosanki (coconut macaroons). These cookies are often decorated with icing, sprinkles, or candied fruit and are a must-have for any holiday gathering.
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Polish Vanilla Custard Cream Squares
Main Ingredients: Puff Pastry, Cornstarch, Salt, Sugar, Large Egg Yolks
Polish Vanilla Custard Cream Squares, also known as kremówki, are a popular dessert in Poland. These decadent squares are made with a flaky puff pastry and filled with a rich and creamy vanilla custard. They are often topped with a layer of powdered sugar and are a delicious treat for any occasion.
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No-Bake Polish Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Egg, Golden Syrup, Graham Crackers, Drinking
No-Bake Polish Cake is a quick and easy dessert that requires no baking and is perfect for those hot summer days. This cake is made with layers of cookies, whipped cream, and a variety of fillings such as fruit, chocolate, or nuts. It is then chilled in the fridge until set and can be topped with your favorite toppings.
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Homemade Polish Kolaczki
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Butter, All Purpose Flour, Strawberry
If you're feeling adventurous, why not try making your own homemade Polish Kolaczki? These delicate cookies are surprisingly easy to make and require only a few simple ingredients. By making them at home, you can customize the fillings and create a unique flavor combination that your family and friends will love.
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Polish Cheesecake
Main Ingredients: Crust, Crushed Graham Crackers, Butter, Sugar, Canela
Polish cheesecake is a must-try for any cheesecake lover. This version is made with a sweetened farmer's cheese filling, giving it a slightly tangy and creamy texture. It is often topped with a layer of fruit, such as cherries or strawberries, and makes for a delicious and indulgent dessert.
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Kolaczki (Polish Cream Cheese Cookies)
Main Ingredients: Butter, Cream Cheese, All Purpose Flour, Powdered
Kolaczki, also known as Polish cream cheese cookies, are a staple in many Polish households. These delicate cookies are made with a cream cheese dough and filled with a variety of fillings, such as fruit, nuts, or poppy seed. They are often served during special occasions and are a favorite among both children and adults.
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Polish Chrusciki (Angel Wings)
Main Ingredients: Egg Yolks, Sugar, Salt, Sour Cream, Vanilla, Lemon
Chrusciki, also known as Angel Wings, are a popular Polish pastry that is often served during special occasions. These delicate fried pastries are made with a dough that is folded and twisted into a unique shape, resembling angel wings. They are dusted with powdered sugar and make for a delicious and festive treat.
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Paczki (Polish Doughnuts)
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Active Dry Yeast, Granulated Sugar, All
Paczki, or Polish doughnuts, are a beloved dessert in Poland and are often served during special occasions and holidays. These deep-fried doughnuts are made with a yeast dough and filled with various fillings such as jam, custard, or chocolate. They are then coated in powdered sugar and make for a sweet and indulgent treat.
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Milk, Water, Sugar, Salt, Unsalted Butter
Eclair Cake, also known as Karpatka, is a popular dessert in Poland that is named after the Carpathian Mountains. This cake is made with layers of choux pastry, filled with a rich vanilla cream, and topped with a layer of chocolate ganache. It is a decadent and impressive dessert that is perfect for any special occasion.
Polish cream cheese cookies, or Kolaczki, are a must-try dessert for anyone who loves delicate and buttery cookies. These cookies are made with a cream cheese dough and filled with a variety of fillings, such as fruit, nuts, or poppy seed. They are often dusted with powdered sugar and make for a delicious and festive treat.
Polish apple cake, or Szarlotka, is a classic dessert that is popular in Poland and other Eastern European countries. This cake is made with a buttery crust, filled with layers of cinnamon-spiced apples, and topped with a crumbly streusel topping. It is a favorite among both children and adults and is a must-try for anyone who loves apple desserts.
Polish cherry cake is a delicious and fruity dessert that is perfect for summer gatherings or picnics. This cake is made with a light and fluffy sponge cake, filled with sweet cherries, and topped with a layer of whipped cream. It is a refreshing and indulgent treat that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Kiffles, also known as Hungarian crescent cookies, are a popular pastry in Poland that is typically served during Christmas. These delicate cookies are made with a flaky dough and filled with a variety of fillings, such as apricot, raspberry, or prune. They are often dusted with powdered sugar and make for a delicious and festive treat.
Polish Babka is a traditional sweet bread that is often served during Easter in Poland. This bread is made with a rich and buttery dough, flavored with lemon or orange zest, and studded with raisins or currants. It is often baked in a decorative bundt cake pan and makes for a delicious and festive addition to any Easter celebration.
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Grandma’s Polish Cookies
Main Ingredients: Flour, Unsalted Butter, Kosher Salt, Large Egg Yolks
Grandma's Polish cookies, or Babcia's cookies, are a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of childhood for many people. These cookies are often made with simple ingredients such as butter, flour, and sugar, but are filled with love and tradition. They are a reminder of the warmth and love of family and are a must-try for anyone looking for a taste of Poland.
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Polish Cream Cheese Cookies (aka Kolaczki or Kolacky)
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Butter, All Purpose Flour, Preserves
Indulge in the rich and creamy taste of these traditional Polish cream cheese cookies, also known as kolaczki or kolacky. Made with a flaky pastry dough and a sweet cream cheese filling, these cookies are a must-try for any dessert lover. They are perfect for holiday gatherings or simply as a sweet treat any time of the year.
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Polish Paczki Donuts
Main Ingredients: Instant Yeast, Whole Milk, Large Egg Yolks, Granulated
No list of top Polish desserts would be complete without paczki. These deep-fried donuts are a staple in Polish cuisine, especially during the holiday season. They are often filled with a variety of sweet fillings such as jam, custard, or fruit preserves. Don't be surprised if you find yourself reaching for more than one of these delicious treats.
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Szarlotka (Polish Apple Pie)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Butter, Egg, Egg Yolk
Take a break from the classic American apple pie and try this Polish version known as szarlotka. Made with a buttery crust and a generous amount of apples, this pie is a crowd-pleaser. Top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
Kolaczki cookies are a beloved Polish delicacy that are often served during special occasions and holidays. These buttery cookies are filled with a variety of sweet fillings, such as apricot, raspberry, or prune. They are a perfect blend of sweet and tart, making them a favorite among many.
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Kolaczki – Traditional Polish Cookies
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Unsalted Butter, Flour, Apricot Jam
Experience a taste of Poland with these traditional kolaczki cookies. Made with a simple dough and filled with a variety of fruit preserves, these cookies are a staple in most Polish households. They are easy to make and even easier to devour.
Christmas in Poland wouldn't be complete without a plate of traditional Polish Christmas cookies. These cookies are often made with ingredients such as honey, nuts, and dried fruit, giving them a unique and delicious flavor. They are a must-try for anyone looking to expand their holiday cookie repertoire.
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Polish Vanilla Custard Cream Squares
Main Ingredients: Puff Pastry, Cornstarch, Salt, Sugar, Large Egg Yolks
If you're a fan of custard, then you'll love these Polish vanilla custard cream squares. Made with a buttery crust and a smooth and creamy custard filling, these squares are a perfect balance of sweet and rich. They are a great dessert option for any occasion.
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No-Bake Polish Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Egg, Golden Syrup, Graham Crackers, Drinking
Short on time but still want to indulge in a delicious Polish dessert? Try this no-bake Polish cake. Made with layers of cookies, chocolate, and a creamy filling, this cake is the perfect option for a quick and easy dessert that doesn't skimp on flavor.
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Polish Cheesecake
Main Ingredients: Crust, Crushed Graham Crackers, Butter, Sugar, Canela
Move over, New York-style cheesecake. The Polish version is just as delicious, if not more. With a lighter and fluffier texture, this cheesecake is made with a combination of cream cheese and farmer's cheese, giving it a unique and irresistible taste.
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Homemade Polish Kolaczki
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Butter, All Purpose Flour, Strawberry
There's nothing quite like a homemade kolaczki. These cookies are a labor of love, but the end result is worth every minute. Fill them with your favorite fruit preserves, and you'll have a batch of delicious cookies that are sure to impress.
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Kolaczki (Polish Cream Cheese Cookies)
Main Ingredients: Butter, Cream Cheese, All Purpose Flour, Powdered
Looking for a cookie that's not too sweet but still has a satisfying buttery taste? Look no further than these kolaczki cookies. Made with a cream cheese dough and filled with a fruit preserve of your choice, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.
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Polish Chrusciki (Angel Wings)
Main Ingredients: Egg Yolks, Sugar, Salt, Sour Cream, Vanilla, Lemon
These light and airy pastries are a staple in Polish cuisine. They are often served during holidays and special occasions, but you can enjoy them any time of the year. They are fried and then dusted with powdered sugar, making them a decadent and delicious treat.
Another variation of the beloved kolaczki cookies, these Polish cream cheese cookies are sure to be a hit. The cream cheese adds a tangy flavor to the cookie dough, and the fruit filling gives it just the right amount of sweetness.
This moist and flavorful apple cake is a popular dessert in Polish households. Made with fresh apples and warm spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, this cake is perfect for a cozy fall day. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate comfort food experience.
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Paczki (Polish Doughnuts)
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Active Dry Yeast, Granulated Sugar, All
We can't talk about Polish desserts without mentioning paczki again. These doughnuts are a must-try for any dessert lover. They are often filled with a variety of sweet fillings, making it hard to choose just one. Pro tip: try them all!
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Milk, Water, Sugar, Salt, Unsalted Butter
This decadent eclair cake, also known as karpatka, is a traditional Polish dessert that is often served during holidays and special occasions. It's made with layers of choux pastry and a creamy custard filling, making it a rich and delicious treat.
If you love cherries, then you'll love this Polish cherry cake. Made with a buttery crust and a generous amount of fresh cherries, this cake is a burst of flavor in every bite. It's the perfect dessert to enjoy during cherry season.
Babka is a sweet and rich cake that is a staple in Polish cuisine. It's often served during Easter, but you can enjoy it any time of the year. With a moist and dense texture and a hint of lemon and vanilla, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your household.
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Baked Polish Paczki
Main Ingredients: Milk, Active Dry Yeast, Unsalted Butter, Sugar, Eggs
For a healthier twist on traditional fried paczki, try this baked version. These paczki are still just as delicious, but with less guilt. Fill them with your favorite fruit preserves and enjoy them warm out of the oven for the ultimate indulgence.
Last but certainly not least, we have kiffles. These delicate and flaky pastries are often filled with fruit preserves or a sweet cheese filling. They are a popular dessert in Polish households and are perfect for any occasion.
The Iconic Piernik
Discovering the Rich History Behind This Spiced Honey Cake
Piernik is a staple in any Polish household during Christmas, with its warm and comforting flavors making it the perfect treat for the cold winter season. This traditional spiced honey cake dates back to the 12th century and has evolved over time to become a beloved dessert during the holiday season. The name "piernik" comes from the Polish word for pepper, highlighting the warming spices used in the cake such as cinnamon, clove, and ginger. The cake is typically baked in a rectangular loaf pan and is often decorated with a simple glaze or icing. Piernik is not only delicious but also holds cultural significance, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune for the upcoming year.
Bringing a Twist to Tradition
While the traditional piernik recipe is still widely used, there are many variations that have emerged over the years. Some bakers add dried fruits and nuts to the batter, while others incorporate chocolate or coffee flavors for a modern twist. No matter the variation, the heart of this dessert remains the same – a warm and comforting spiced cake that represents the essence of Polish Christmas traditions.
Impress Your Guests with Homemade Piernik
If you want to impress your family and friends this Christmas, why not try making piernik from scratch? While it may seem daunting, the recipe is surprisingly simple and uses everyday ingredients such as flour, honey, eggs, and butter. The key to a successful piernik is to let the batter rest for at least 24 hours before baking, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify. Serve your homemade piernik with a cup of warm tea or coffee, and your guests will be in for a treat.
In Conclusion
Polish Christmas desserts, such as piernik, are not only delicious but also hold cultural significance. With its rich history and simple yet indulgent flavors, piernik is a must-try for anyone looking to bring a taste of Poland to their holiday table. So this Christmas, why not add a new tradition and bake your own piernik? Your taste buds will thank you.
Polish Cream Cheese Cookies (aka Kolaczki or Kolacky)
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